After the early alarm, a quick look out the window to favorable skies had me up and going, a short drive on empty roads if the sheep resting or sleeping on the edge of the tarmac aren’t included, park, lace up the boots, grab the kit and a quick walk on the path to today's location. After setting up the tripod and camera I still had time to relax and enjoy the approaching sunrise, it was only 4:30AM.

This view of the Trotternish Ridge is toward Bioda Buidhe and Cleat while between them in the distance is Beinn Edra and in the foreground is the distressed tree. The two bodies of water in front of Cleat are Loch Cleat and Loch Leum na Luirginn. On the right is the Staffin-Uig road as it meanders up the ridge to the Quiraing parking area and before it continues on to Uig. On the horizon are the mountains of the Scottish mainland.

As the dawn light rises, the clouds were the first to brighten and show the morning color, followed by the Trotternish Ridge. This capture is as the sun highlights Cleat, Beinn Edra, Bioda Buidhe and Dun Dubh. The stone on the face of Dun Dubh seemed golden in the sunrise light.

While others slept, I was enjoying the sunrise and capturing the moment. Some days it’s worth getting up at Stupid O’Clock . . . and this was one of those mornings! I hope you enjoy the resulting image.

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